Grand Theft Auto IV: Signature Series Guide (Book Review)

Everyone knows GTA IV is a huge beast of a game, a truly epic title that creates an entire world in which to slaughter, maim and have sex with prostitutes. In keeping with Rockstar's must-own, must-buy, must-play candidate for Game of the Year BradyGames have released a companion strategy guide designed to make your life in Liberty City that much easier.

At with their other guides, this one is well bound and will certainly stand up to frequent use. Indeed GTA is one of those games which really needs a guide if only so those completists out where can cross every 't' and dot each 'i', gain each Achievement and finish every side quest. Split into sections introducing the game play, the missions, the main storyline and finishing with detailed maps of every section of Liberty City.

But if driving fast cars and dating is all you care about, then fear not. Niko can be a ladies man if you put in the right amount of effort, or read the book. BradyGames even detail the likes and dislikes of all the potential girlfriend material from the clothes Niko should and shouldn't wear to the girl's horoscopes.

Of course there's more to life than dating, apparently. When it comes to the missions, the instructions are concise and detailed and, as well as looking at the objectives Niko needs to complete, the guide also details the conditions the missions needs to fail; handy if you're trying to figure out what went wrong.

Filled with colour screenshots and artwork the guide breaks down the mission into objectives, includes small details focusing on a specific area of the map, including important locations or weapons that can be picked up. There are plenty of fascinating box outs looking at aspects of the game as well hints on how to survive.

It's the perfect companion to GTA VI, indeed all Liberty City residents should head to their nearest bookstore immediately as it tells you more than the travel guide ever could and we don't mean the cyber cafés and the Cluckin' Bells.